[NAandTT]

Hey guys, Im so excited, that I just got a Nikon D80!!! It brought the stock lenses, the 18-55m. But I plan on buying a pair of new lenses soon. I just need to know how to use it, I mainly bought it because I am in a Digital Photography class in school. What do you guys think? Can I see pictures that you guys have taken with this camera?

[TurboFan]

Congrats on the new hardware. It's a fantastic camera. I have the d200, which is basically the same thing in a weather tight body that's 20% larger. Couple bells and whistles too, but the important parts of the camera are shared between the 200 and the 80.

I can post a couple pictures I took with a friends d80, but the res limit on the forum will prevent you from getting a good idea of what it can do. My general advice on this (and the d200) is to shoot manual, meter down 1 stop, and USE THE TRIPOD! You'll take some outstanding photos with just a little practice.

Use the RAW mode as well, and get comfortable with the Nikon Capture NX. I just got my copy today, but I've been messing with a demo copy for about a week. It's an amazing step forward for Nikon. It adds many more high-end features that were missing in CaptureView4.4.

All that said, the most important thing is the glass. That kit lens that you have is a decent starter lens. The 18-200 has been getting AMAZING reviews. Keep the kit lens for harsh situations, and take a long look at the 18-200. It has the VR feature, which is handy off-tripod. I have the 80-400mm VR, and it too is an outstanding lens. It's a little steep at $1400.

If you really want a wide angle, the 12-24mm f/4 is an amazing lens as well. I bought that about 9 mos ago, and have been VERY pleased with it. It too is expensive at around $900, but you'll find that the good glass will set you back some bucks. Resist the urge to go the Tamaron / Sigma route - you buy a Nikon to use their glass, so don't sell yourself short. The third party brands just can't compare.

[NAandTT]

WOW! Thanks man. I would love to see all those pictures you have taken with your friend's D80. My email is agar150@gmail.com. And if you have AIM, my signname is Smoked330. I was on the verge on getting the Nikon d200, but since I am a beginner, I didnt want to go all the way, and spend the 2k on the d200! But im still happy with my d80, its chargin for now, and tomorrow I will start snapping pictures! Hahaha, thanks man, youre a lot of help!

[NAandTT]

My Camera came with two CD's. One which says, Capture Nx. And the other says Pciture Viewer 1.7. But Im willing to go ahead and buy a photo editing or similar program. Thanks man.

[BlackSapphireZ]

I don't have a D80 let alone a DSLR but these were taken with D80 with VR lens

[TurboFan]

Originally Posted by NAandTT

My Camera came with two CD's. One which says, Capture Nx. And the other says Pciture Viewer 1.7. But Im willing to go ahead and buy a photo editing or similar program. Thanks man.

It's about time they started including the software. It pissed me off that I spent $2k on the camera, and then another hundo on the software.

Is it a full version or a demo copy? It really is great software. I was up until 1:30 this am going over my vacation pics.

I'm trying to find the d80 pics, I don't know what I did with them (just formated the HDD too ) I can send stuff from the d200 - it's the same sensor and processor.